"
This picture excited Bassett, and he walked about raving with malice,
and longing for the time when he should stand in the witness-box and
denounce his enemy.
"No, no," said Wheeler, "leave that to counsel; you must play the mild
victim in the witness-box. Who is the defendant solicitor? We ought to
serve the writ on him at once."
"No, no; serve it on himself."
"What for? Much better proceed like gentlemen."
Bassett got in a passion at being contradicted in everything. "I tell
you," said he, "the more I can irritate and exasperate this villain the
better. Besides, he slandered me behind my back; and I'll have the writ
served upon himself. I'll do everything I can to take him down. If a
man wants to be my lawyer he must enter into my feelings a little."
Wheeler, to whom he was more valuable than ever now, consented somewhat
reluctantly, and called at Huntercombe Hall next day with the writ, and
sent in his card.
Lady Bassett heard of this, and asked if it was Mr. Bassett's friend.
The butler said he thought it was.
Lady Bassett went to Sir Charles in his study. "Oh, my dear," said she,
"here is Mr. Bassett's lawyer."
"Well?"
"Why does he come here?"
"I don't know."
"Don't see him."
"Why not?"
"I am so afraid of Mr. Bassett.
Pages:
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129